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          Users's manual of the INICRON ROM-RAM-BOX  (C)1995 
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For further information please look at the '#DOC-E-2.TXT'-file !

Important: All following explanations depend  on  the basic version of 
           the ROM-RAM-BOX with 128 kb  (8  ROM-RAM  slots) and on the 
           SOFTBRENNER version 1.02 !


    THE ROM-RAM-BOX
        Basics.............................................  x
        Switches and controls of the box
        (1)  On/off EPROM-socket...........................  x
        (2)  On/off Simulator-RAM-chip....................   x
        (3)  Selection ROM-number EPROM-socket............   x
        (4)  On/off ROM-RAM slot 0-7.......................  x
        (5)  On/off writemode..............................  x
        (6)  Resetswitch...................................  x
        (7)  LED writemode.................................  x
        (8)  Akku-Jumper...................................  x
        (9)  LED Power on .................................  x
        (10) Choice of EPROM-segments......................  x
        (11) EPROM-Socket..................................  x
        (12) Simulator-RAM 128 kb..........................  x
        Basic settings.....................................  x
        
        
    THE SOFTBRENNER V1.02
        The menue
        L LOAD & INSTALL...................................  x
        Z SHOW  ROMs.......................................  x
        R SHOW RSX    .....................................  x
        G GET ROM .........................................  x
        S SAVE ROM.........................................  x
        K CATALOGUE........................................  x
        E ERASE ROM........................................  x
        M MAKE ROM.........................................  x
        I INFO.............................................  x
        + -   USER.........................................  x
        A B C DRIVE........................................  x

    TIPS AND HINTS
        Special info about ROM-No. 0 & 7...................  x
        Installation of data into the ROM-RAM-BOX..........  x
        Design of ROM-headers..............................  x

    PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
        What's to do if....................................  x

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BASICS

The ROM-RAM-BOX is equiped with  a  128  kb  simulator-RAM. It holds 8  
ROM-RAM-slots. Each ROM-RAM-slot is  able  to  contain  the  data of a 
'normal' 16 kb EPROM.
Every ROM-RAM-slot has got a number. ROM-RAM-slot 0 has the number 0,
ROM-RAM-slot 1 has the  number  1  etc.  up  to  RAM-ROM-slot 7. These 
numbers are equal to the 'ROM-select-number' which the CPC can access.

Beside these 8  RAM-ROM-slots  in  the  simulator-RAM  the ROM-RAM-BOX 
carries an additional slot: Slot number 9, the EPROM-socket. It has no 
fixed number like  the  ROM-RAM-slots  0-7:  This  number  is editable 
between 0-15. The EPROM-socket  represents  a  link between EPROMs and 
simulator-RAM.

To use EPROM-programs you have to bring it into the ROM-RAM-BOX.

In which way you get EPROM-software into the ROM-RAM-BOX ?

Three sources are possible:

1. You have got an  EPROM (8,16,32  or 64 kb capacity) and you want to 
   install these ROM-programs into  the  ROM-RAM-BOX.  You have to use 
   the EPROM-socket. Put the EPROM into the socket and get the program 
   with the 'GET-ROM' option  of  the  SOFTBRENNER. The ROM-program is 
   now ready to be installed in the  RAM-ROM-slots 0-7 or you may save 
   it on disc. 

2. There is an  EPROM   in   another  ROM-BOX   or in another hardware 
   (maybe into a RAM-expansion with  EPROM-socket  etc.). In this case 
   you are able to get the data  with the 'GET-ROM' funktion, too. And 
   of course yoy may save or install it.

3. You've got ROM-software on disc. In this case you can use the 
   'LOAD  &  INSTALL' function to load  it  and install it in the ROM-
   RAM-slots 0-7.


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               SWITCHES AND CONTROLS OF THE ROM-RAM-BOX
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(1) ON/OFF EPROM-SOCKET

With this switch you turn the EPROM-socket (11) ON or OFF.
If you want to run an EPROM-program  in  the  socket or if you want to 
'GET' a program, you have  to  switch  it  ON (towards viewer). Is the 
socket turned off, the CPC can not access EPROMs in the socket.


(2) ON/OFF RAM-CHIP

With this  switch  you  turn  ALL  ROM-RAM-slots  0-7  ON/OFF.  If you 
switch the chip OFF, the settings (4) won't be important any more !
To the viewer is ON, away is OFF.

If you turn the RAM-chip off, the  CPC can't access any ROM-program in 
the ROM-RAM-slots 0-7.
This point is important if any software does not run with ROM-software 
(maybe the software 'fears' a hacking  module or the ROM-soft occupies 
too much working RAM etc.)
In this cases you easily turn the RAM-chip OFF, reset the computer and 
load the software again.
This funktion may be useful in  another  case:  If there is some data-
trash in the ROM-RAM-slots 0-7 (no correct ROM-header for example) and 
the computer get into trouble  after  switching  on. If this situation 
apears turn off the ROM-RAM-slots  seperately  with switch (2) or turn 
them off completely  with  (4).  Then  reset  the  computer,  load the 
SOFTBRENNER from disc and erase  or  change  the data-trash. See Point 
(4).


(3) CHOOSE ROM-NUMBER EPROM-SOCKET

The user is allowed to choose  the ROM-number of the EPROM-socket. The 
number is binary encoded. You  can  choose  a  number between 0 and 15 
with the four DIP-switches. Turning a switch up represents a set bit
(one) and a down switch stands for a reset bit (zero).

Examples:

The EPROM-socket should have number 0:
down down down down (binary 0 0 0 0)

The EPROM-socket should have number 1:
down down down up (binary 0 0 0 1)

Number 7:
down up up up (binary 0 1 1 1)

Or number 15:
up up up up (binary 1 1 1 1)

etc.


Important: If you want to  change  the  number of the EPROM-socket you 
           should NOT choose a  number  which  is  occupied by another 
           ROM ! 

If your favorite number is occupied by  a ROM in the ROM-RAM-slots 0-7 
you may switch the slots 0-7  off  seperately (switch 4) or completely 
(switch 2).

(4) ON/OFF ROM-RAM-SLOTS 0-7

These 8 DIP-switches turns on/off  the  ROM-RAM-slots 0-7. On the left 
side you'll find the switch representing  ROM-RAM-slot 7, on the right 
side you see the switch  representing  slot  0. DIP-switch down is ON, 
switch up is OFF.
If you want to turn  off  all  ROM-programes in the ROM-RAM-slots 0-7, 
you have to push all 8 DIP-switches  UP  or  you turn off the RAM chip 
completely with switch (2). See point (2).

Important: You should NOT switch on  a  ROM-RAM-slot if it's number is 
           occupied by another ROM ! 

If the place is occupied  by  the  EPROM-socket, you can easily change 
the number of the EPROM-socket with switch  (3). Or maybe turn off 
the EPROM-socket with switch (1).


(5) ON/OFF WRITEMODE

This switch is used to turn on/off the writemode of the ROM-RAM-BOX.
To the viewer is ON (green LED is lit), away from viewer is OFF (green 
LED is off).
This switch ALLWAYS  should  be  in position OFF !
Only if you want to install  ROM-software in the ROM-RAM-slots 0-7 you 
may turn it into ON  position.  Please  note the SOFTBRENNER advices ! 
See chapter 'SOFTBRENNER',too.
Very fatal to the installed ROM-programes would  be if you turn on the 
writemode and reset the computer:  The  ROMs  would be corrupted and a 
'checksum-error' message would be  the  result  (if a checksum routine 
would have been implemented).
If a 'checksum-error' appears  you  have  to  install the ROM-programs 
again !


(6) RESETSWITCH

As an 'extra-bonus' you've got this  useful switch which allows you to 
reset the CPC very save and easily !


(7) LED WRITEMODE

It is lit, if the writemode is ON. See Point (5) !

(8) AKKU-JUMPER

If the jumper is set and the  computer is on, the build-in accumulator 
will be charged. 
The RAM-chip (12) is powered by the accumulator when the CPC is off.
So all installed ROM-programs in the ROM-RAM-slots 0-7 are 'save and 
warm'.
Attention: If you turn  off  the  CPC  and  put  the  jumper away, all 
           installed ROM-programs will be erased !

Only put the jumper away if you  store the ROM-RAM-BOX for a long time 
(some month) without computer on. This would be better for a long accu 
lifetime.


(9) LED POWER ON

This LED is lit if the  ROM-RAM-BOX  is  connected  to the CPC and the 
computer is on.


(10) CHOICE OF EPROM-SEGENTS

If you want to 'GET ROMs' which are bigger then 16 kb, you can use 
these two DIP-switches to get the data in 16 kb steps.

One Segment = 16 kb = Room for one ROM-program.

Selection (top view):

: O     1. Segment, standard position 
:O                  (used at 8,16,32 & 64kb EPROMs)

:       2. Segment  (used at 32kb u.64kb EPROMs)
:OO

:OO     3. Segment  (used at 64kb EPROMs)
:

:O      4. Segment  (used at 64kb EPROMs)
: O

Please see at chapter 'SOFTBRENNER' point 'GET ROM', too !

The choice of segments is not only important to get EPROM-programs.
Another interesting possibility is to  run  up  to four different ROM-
programs in a 64kb EPROM !


(11) EPROM-SOCKET

The EPROM-socket is very useful to 'GET' ROMs. If you 'grabb' an EPROM 
you are able to save the ROM-program  on  a disc or you may install it 
in the ROM-RAM-slots.

Certainly you can run an EPROM-program in the EPROM-socket.
The ROM-number of the EPROM-socket can be choosen freely between 0-15.
See Point (3) !

You can use the following EPROM-types:

2764     8 kb
27128   16 kb
27256   32 kb
27512   64 kb

or the C-MOS-version:

27C64
27C128 etc.


Attention: The EPROM-notch has to be away from viewer !
           Take care that the computer is switched off while you are
           put an EPROM in/out !


(12) SIMULATOR-RAM 128 KB

This 128 kb static-ram is the most important part of the ROM-RAM-BOX.
It is divided into 8 ROM-RAM-slots which can carry 16 kb each.


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                            BASIC SETTINGS
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Top view, left to right side:

(1) On/off EPROM-socket       : Away from viewer    = OFF
(2) On/off Simulator-RAM-chip : Away from viewer    = OFF
(3) ROM-no. EPROM-socket      : Up down down down   = ROM-number 8
(4) On/off ROM-RAM-slot  0-7  : All up              = all OFF
(5) On/off writemode          : Away from viewer    = writemode OFF
                                                    ->green LED off
(8) Akku-Jumper               : set
(10) Choice  of  EPROM-segment:   : O
                                  :O

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                        THE SOFTBRENNER V1.02
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-L- LOAD & INSTALL

This function allows you to load  a  ROM-program from disc and install 
it in ROM-RAM-slot 0-7. Take care of the SOFTBRENNER's advice !
After resetting the computer the user can use the ROM-programs (mostly 
via RSX-command) !

Important:

You should try to avoid running TWO ROMs on the same ROM-number.
That mean: If you  run  an  EPROM  in  the  EPROM-socket or in another 
hardware-expansion (harddisccontroller etc.) you should  not turn on a 
ROM-ROM-slot with the same ROM-number because this overlay would cause 
such trouble !
If you want to know what ROM is laying on which ROM-number you can use 
the 'SHOW ROM' option of the SOFTBRENNER.
If you want to know wich external EPROMs are connected to the CPC, you 
should use  this  command  while  EPROM-socket  and  ROM-RAM-slots are 
turned off.

Hint: You are allowed to overlay the build in BASIC-ROM (number 0) and 
      the AMSDOS-ROM (number 7) !


-Z- SHOW ROMS

This option shows ALL ROMs 0-15 which are connected to the CPC !
ROMs outside ROM-RAM-BOX are  displayed,too  (the  DOS  of an external 
harddisccontroller for example etc.).

During the display-mode the ROM-numbers are scanned permanentely.
The user gets an overview of  all  ROM-programs.
This option is useful to proof an installation or to check if there is 
a free ROM-RAM-slot or not.

Following informations are displayed:

1. The ROM-name (up to 15 chars)
2. The version-number (1.01 for example)
3. Foreground (Fo)-,Background (Bg)- or Sideway (Si)-ROM
4. The address of the claimed RAM-area


-R- SHOW RSX

This funktion is useful to list all RSX-commands of an ROM-program.
The user can take quick advantage  of these RSX-commands after turning 
on the computer or after a computer-reset.


-G- GET ROM

This important option encourage the user to 'grabb' ROM-programs.
Please follow the advices given by the SOFTBRENNER !

You can get ROM-programs from an EPROM in the EPROM-socket, from an 
EPROM in any connected hardware-expansion or  from one of the ROM-RAM-
slots. The 'grabbed' data is  ready  to  install in the ROM-RAM-BOX or 
you can save it on disc.
16 kb EPROMS can be 'grabbed' in  one move, 32 kb-EPROMs  in two moves 
and a  64 kb EPROM in four moves. See chapter 'ROM-RAM-BOX', too.

Important:

You should try to avoid running TWO ROMs on the same ROM-number.
That mean: If you  run  an  EPROM  in  the  EPROM-socket or in another 
hardware-expansion (harddisccontroller etc.) you should  not turn on a 
ROM-ROM-slot with the same ROM-number because this overlay would cause 
such trouble !
If you want to know what ROM is laying on which ROM-number you can use 
the 'SHOW ROM' option of the SOFTBRENNER.
If you want to know wich external EPROMs are connected to the CPC, you 
should use  this  command  while  EPROM-socket  and  ROM-RAM-slots are 
turned off.

Hint: You are allowed to overlay the build in BASIC-ROM (number 0) and 
      the AMSDOS-ROM (number 7) !


-S- SAVE ROM

This option is useful to 'grabb' and save ROMs.
Please follow the advices given by the SOFTBRENNER !

Hint: If you type in the filename you may add drive & user:

Example: FILENAME: 1b:cookie.rom  -> to save it on user 1,drive b
   or    FILENAME: cookie.rom     -> to save it on current user & drive


-K- CATALOGUE

Displays the catalogue from the current drive.


-E- ERASE ROM

Kills a ROM-program in  the  ROM-RAM-slots  0-7.  The memory would be 
filled up with hex &FF.
Please follow the advices given by the SOFTBRENNER !


-M- MAKE ROM

This complex option allows the user to create his own ROM !

Please read the instructions in the '#DOC-E-2.TXT' file !


-I- INFO

The user have to choose between  some short info about the SOFTBRENNER 
and some info  about the switches and controls of the ROM-RAM-BOX.
                             

USER

Changes the current USER. Use the '+' and '-' keys !


DRIVE

Selection of the current DRIVE. Use the keys 'A', 'B' and 'C' !

--------------------------------------------------------------------
                            TIPS AND HINTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIAL INFO ABOUT ROM-NO. 0 & 7

These two ROM-numbers (ROM-places) are different to the other numbers.
Both numbers are occupied by  build-in ROMs !
ROM-number 0 is the BASIC-ROM number  and  ROM-number 7 is occupied by 
the AMSDOS-ROM.
But can overlay them by external ROMs.
Please have in mind: You should  only  put BASIC-like ROMs on number 0 
- a patched BASIC for example.
If you  put  an  AMSDOS-ROM  on  ROM-number  0,  CPM  will  be  booted 
automatically after switching on the CPC !

If you want to put a ROM-program on ROM-number 7 you may choose 
a DOS-ROM. Very tricky  DOS'  are  existing  (XDDOS  for example which 
gives you 716 kb on a 3.5" B-drive !)

Owner of a CPC-PLUS have to know a curious fact:

In the DOS-ROM of the plus machines a routine is implemented which 
takes care for the 'nice' menu-part after switching on the computer.
For this routine is jumped  by  the  operating system after turning on 
the CPC, you can not choose every  ROM  to  put it on ROM-number 7. It 
has to be patched for this conditions.

Please read the hints in the '#DOC-E-2.TXT' file !

What do you have to remind if  you  want  to install a new DOS on ROM-
number 7: 

Normally you'll find a DOS-ROM on ROM-number 7. If you want to install 
a new DOS  on  this  place,  you  have  to  reset  the  computer after 
installing the new ROM ! If you do so the new DOS is initialisized and 
you can go on.

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INSTALLATION OF DATA IN THE ROM-RAM-BOX

You'll write data in the ROM-RAM-slots 0-7 if the following conditions 
are true:

1. the ROM-number has to be selected 
2. the choosen ROM-RAM-slot has to be turned on (switch 4)
3. the RAM-chip has to be switched on (switch 2)
4. the writemode is on (switch 5)

The writeable RAM-area of the simulator-RAM is similar to the 
screen (hex &C000-&FFFF).

The installation-job is done by the SOFTBRENNER in a comfortable way.
But if you want to do it yourself, you can do it easily !
You'll find an assembler-source-code on the disc (INSTALL.E).

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DESIGN OF ROM-HEADERS

ROM-programs has to be  designed  in  a  special way. That's important 
because the CPC operating system  needs  a special designed header (in 
the beginning of each installed  ROM-proram)  to initialisize the ROM 
correctly.
All persons who want to  create  their  own ROM-programs will find an 
assembler-source-code on the disc (HEADER.E).

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                        PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
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WHAT'S TO DO IF...

...you turn on then CPC but instead  of starting BASIC the computer is 
running crazy ?

Solution: One or more ROM-programs are corrupted. So they have to be 
          reinstalled or switched off. 
          To turn them off seperately use the DIP-switches (4).
          If you want to reinstall the programs you have to load the 
          SOFTBRENNER: Turn of  the  ROM-RAM-slots  0-7  seperately or 
          switch them off collectively with (2).
          Then you are able to run the SOFTBRENNER from disc. 
          Turn on the  ROM-RAM-slots  and  examine  the  ROMs with the 
          'SHOW ROM' option. Corrupted ROMs has to be reinstalled.

          Maybe the EPROM-socket causes  such  trouble. In this case 
          turn it off (switch 1)  or choose another ROM-number (switch 
          3).

WHAT'S TO DO IF...

...i have installed a  new  DOS  in  ROM-RAM-slot  7  but some trouble 
apears after i have tried to load more ROMs from disc ?

Solution: The new DOS has to  be initialisized: Reset the computer and 
          start the SOFTBRENNER again. Now you can going on to install 
          another ROM-program.

WHAT'S TO DO IF...
...during the 'SHOW ROM'  option  the  display  flickers and ROM-names 
etc. are displayed wrong ?

1. The trouble is  caused  by  two  ROMs  laying on the same 
   ROM-number.
   Solution: Turn off one of  these  ROMs or choose another ROM-number 
   or take it away !
2. The trouble is  caused  by  an extremely long cable.
   Solution: Use shorter cables !
3. The trouble is  caused  by bad connections.
   Solution: Try to connect all components well.